Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding Welcome Here

The Breastfeeding Welcome Here project is a component of the Taranaki DHB Public Health Unit breastfeeding programme. Breastfeeding Welcome Here aims to increase support for breastfeeding in the community through highlighting breastfeeding friendly places. There are a variety of community settings including cafes, libraries, medical centres and other public places that are BFWH accredited.

Returning to work

If you are returning to work-or study-after having a baby continuing to breastfeed is important because of the health benefits for you and your baby.

Take time (two months before returning to work) to establish the most effective way to manage breastfeeding on your return to work and define to support you will need to achieve this.

Talk to your employer to confirm your return to work date and discuss the details of lactation breaks or having baby bought to you to breastfeed.

Think about ways to get organised at home and how to simplify things.

Do a practice run through your work morning schedule.

Please contact the a Lactation Consultant for further support to develop your breastfeeding and work plan.

Taranaki DHB has a Breastfeeding in the Workplace procedure and support for their employees.

Tips for expressing

You will need a small private area with an electric power point if an electric pump is used rather than a hand pump, a comfortable chair and a small table to place your equipment .

You will need access to a fridge to store your breastmilk.

You will need flexibility to use break times to express breast milk. You will need to express 2-3 times during an eight hour workday to prevent blocked ducts and mastitis and to maintain breast milk supply.

Your rights as a breastfeeding mother

Obligations

Employers are required to provide appropriate facilities and breaks for employees who wish to breastfeed (including expressing breast milk).

The breaks are unpaid unless the employee and employer agree otherwise.

The breastfeeding breaks are to be provided in addition to the standard paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks.

The rest and meal breaks can also be used as breastfeeding breaks if this is agreed to by both employer and employee.

Making arrangements

Employers and employees should discuss what arrangements are needed and can be provided.

This shouldn’t be costly or complicated.

In most cases it will involve no more than simply making available private space when required and providing access to a refrigerator.

It is appreciated that circumstances will differ according to the operational environment and the employer’s resources. All that is required is that arrangements are made that are reasonable and practicable in the circumstances.

Good practice would be to write down the agreements about the facilities the employer will make available and the breaks needed to breastfeed an infant.

Compliance

Employers may be liable to a penalty imposed by the Employment Relations Authority if they do not make reasonable and practicable arrangements for breastfeeding employees who wish to breastfeed during working hours.

The Authority will also have the power to order employers to comply with their obligations.

Breastfeeding in Public

Breastfeeding is the perfect way to feed your baby when you’re out. Breast milk is free, fresh and requires no preparation. It’s your right to feed your baby anywhere, any time and any place.
Some mums might be shy, but breastfeeding is part of everyday life – it’s not something that should be hidden away. Here are some tips if you feel a little uncomfortable.

Be relaxed.

Get the support of friends and whānau. Ask them to sit with you in a café or on a bench in a shopping mall while you feed your baby.

Be comfortable. Before you start, make sure that you have somewhere to sit that is comfortable and has back support.

Practise before you go out. Try breastfeeding your baby in front of a friend or the mirror to practise your technique and see what works best for you.

Wear the right clothing. Wear a breastfeeding or nursing bra that can be undone with one hand. Tops that are easy to pull down or push up can also help. If you want more privacy while you’re breastfeeding you can cover up using a large wrap, muslin, shawl or blanket draped around your shoulders. You could also try a baby sling or baby carrier. Make sure that your clothes are easily adjusted so that you can feed your baby without having to take the sling off.

Contacts

For more information about breastfeeding visit the following websites: